Smollett’s Lawyer Welcomes Cameras in Courtroom

“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett, center, arrives at Leighton Criminal Court Building for a hearing to discuss whether cameras will be allowed in the courtroom during his disorderly conduct case on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo / Matt Marton)“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett, center, arrives at Leighton Criminal Court Building for a hearing to discuss whether cameras will be allowed in the courtroom during his disorderly conduct case on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo / Matt Marton)

CHICAGO (AP) — A lawyer for Jussie Smollett said Tuesday that she would welcome cameras in the courtroom during the “Empire” actor’s trial on charges accusing him of lying to police, saying there has been a lot of leaked misinformation and that cameras would allow the public to “see the evidence and the lack thereof.”

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Attorney Tina Glandian made the comments during a brief hearing Tuesday in Cook County criminal court during which both sides agreed that cameras would be allowed at the next hearing in the case, which is scheduled for Thursday.

Judge Leroy Martin said the judge picked to oversee the trial would decide whether cameras would be allowed during the trial.

Smollett is charged with 16 counts accusing him of lying to the police about being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack by two masked men in downtown Chicago.

Prosecutors allege that Smollett, who is black and gay, enlisted the help of two other black men and staged the Jan. 29 attack because he was unhappy with his salary and wanted to promote his career.

Smollett’s attorneys have called the charges “prosecutorial overkill.” The actor, who is free on bond, maintains his innocence.


Related stories:

‘Empire’ Actor Jussie Smollett Facing 16 New Charges

Brothers in Smollett Case Say They Have ‘Tremendous Regret’

Judge Allows Smollett to Travel to Meet with Attorneys

Prosecutor: Jussie Smollett Gave Detailed Instructions for Fake Attack

Police: Jussie Smollett’s Staged Attack a ‘Slap in the Face’ to Chicago

‘Empire’ Actor Jussie Smollett Charged with Disorderly Conduct


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